Dietary Accommodations

Whitman College is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible dining experience for all students.

Many students have dietary needs related to allergies, medical conditions, food intolerances, or disabilities. We encourage students to connect with Dining Services as early as possible so we can work together to identify available options and supports.

At Whitman, Bon Appétit Dining Services is the first point of contact for all dietary needs and concerns. Most students are able to receive support directly through Dining Services without needing additional accommodation review.

If additional support is needed, Bon Appétit may refer students to Disability Access Services (DAS) for further review.

Where Do I Start?

Step 1: Connect with Bon Appétit Dining Services

Students seeking dietary support should first meet with Bon Appétit Dining Services.

Bon Appétit can:

• Discuss dietary needs and concerns.
• Review ingredient and allergen information.
• Meet individually with students.
• Assist with meal planning.
• Connect students with a registered dietitian when appropriate.
• Explore available dining options and modifications.

In many cases, Dining Services can successfully address dietary needs through individualized planning and existing dining resources.

Contact Bon Appétit Dining Services

Shannon Null, General Manager, 509-527-5429, shannon.null@cafebonappetit.com

When Does DAS Become Involved?

If Bon Appétit determines that a student’s disability-related dietary needs cannot be fully addressed through available dining options and individualized meal planning, they may refer the student to Disability Access Services.

DAS works collaboratively with students and Dining Services to review disability-related barriers and determine whether additional accommodations may be appropriate.

If You Are Referred to DAS

Students referred to DAS will be asked to:

1. Submit an accommodation request through Accommodate.
2. Provide supporting documentation from a qualified healthcare provider.
3. Complete any required dietary accommodation forms.
4. Meet with a DAS staff member to discuss disability-related barriers and access needs.
5. Participate in ongoing coordination with Dining Services if needed.

Accommodation decisions are made through an individualized review process.

Meal Plans and Dietary Accommodations

Students living in residence halls are generally required to participate in a residential meal plan.

Most disability-related dietary needs can be addressed through collaboration with Bon Appétit Dining Services.

Requests for modifications to meal plan requirements are considered on an individualized basis and only when disability-related needs cannot be reasonably addressed through available dining options and accommodations.

Dietary preferences alone are not considered a disability-related accommodation.

Documentation

If referred to DAS, students may be asked to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider.

Documentation should help DAS understand:

• The student’s disability-related condition
• How the condition impacts access to dining services
• Relevant dietary restrictions or limitations
• Recommended accommodations, when appropriate

If you have questions about documentation requirements, please contact DAS.

Annual Review

Approved dietary accommodations are generally reviewed on an annual basis to ensure accommodations continue to meet the student’s current needs.

Students whose needs change are encouraged to contact DAS at any time.

Questions?

If you are unsure where to start, contact Dining Services first. If additional accommodation support is needed, they will help connect you with DAS.

Bon Appétit Dining Services

Shannon Null, General Manager, 509-527-5429, shannon.null@cafebonappetit.com